Culture

11 things to do while you're anxiously awaiting Nov. 8

It's finally November, which means this painful presidential election will be over in less than 10 days. Hallelujah, right?

Wrong.

Though one might have assumed nearing Election Day would ease some of the unbearable tension we've endured during these ugly months of insult-driven campaigns and political scandals, that is unfortunately not the case.

In fact, it seems as though these last few days leading up to Nov. 8 could prove to be some of the most anxiety-filled yet. People are frantically checking polls, falling asleep to the news and dreaming of the apocalypse. We need help.

In an election which the American Psychological Association confirmed has already given Americans some serious stress, we all need to chill the heck out.

If you're one of the many wondering how you'll possibly be able to survive the anticipation of the upcoming week, have no fear. Here are some excellent tips on how to manage your election-related stress:

1. Vote early

If you're truly stressing about this election, consider voting early. Get out there, get your voice heard, get a sticker and then don't think about this election again until Nov. 8.

2. Remember there are only 3 weeks left until Thanksgiving

No matter what happens on Nov. 8, at least you have a glorious holiday to look forward to in the near future. If your desired candidate wins, you can use your Thanksgiving feast as a celebration; if your desired candidate loses, at least you have lots of delicious comfort food coming your way.

3. Stop compulsively checking the FiveThirtyEight election forecast

Step away from the election trackers. We know it's hard but you need to quit checking FiveThirtyEight every 5 minutes and 38 seconds. The polls change often, but it's imperative to remember that any results you waste time stressing out over before the polls close on Nov. 8 do not matter.

Here is a screenshot of FiveThirtyEight as of 1:14 p.m. on Nov. 3. Cherish it and do not check back for the next five days.

Image: screengrab/fivethirtyeight

4. Limit your social media use

Social media at a time like this is far too stressful. With so many election-related articles and lengthy political Facebook statuses rearing their ugly heads, you should definitely consider tweaking your Facebook and Twitter settings.

Disable some notifications, hide posts from some friends, and if social media is still getting you down, in the words of current Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, you might even want to "Delete your account" — temporarily, of course.

6. Book a vacation

You've been through a lot recently, it's time for a treat. Instead of worrying about this election, The Holiday yourself and plan a luxurious getaway. Perhaps you could check out New Zealand, Ireland, Canada or Sweden — all countries very willing to accept immigrants from the United States, just in case your candidate loses.

7. Drink some tea

Nothing like cuddling on the couch and nursing a hot beverage to relax. Chamomile tea is soothing, but if you don't like chamomile tea, DON'T STRESS, you can drink another kind of tea. If you're not a tea drinker maybe, just consider switching to decaf coffee for a week to take any additional caffeine-induced edge off your already stressful life.

8. Binge-watch Bob Ross

Soak in the peaceful, melodic, artistic brilliance that Bob Ross instead of the hellscape that is American politics.

9. Take a yoga class

I can honestly think of no better time to unwind and clear your mind than while mastering the Tree Pose.

10. Try to find humor in the despair that is 2016

You know what they say, laughter is the best medicine. If there was ever a time to use humor as a coping mechanism, this is it. Distract yourself from the election by watching some silly YouTube videos, going to a comedy club or looking at your baby pictures (just kidding, that last one might be painful).

11. Watch a ton of puppy GIFS

Hillary Clinton once told us we could make it through this election by unplugging from the internet and drowning our sorrows in cute cat GIFs. Since then, things have worsened and we now highly suggest that you include adorable puppy GIFs in this plan of action.

BONUS: Will America join these 16 countries with female heads of state?

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